Wellness retreats have become a transformative getaway for many, with the global wellness tourism market predicted to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025. These retreats offer an immersive experience to recalibrate physically, mentally, and emotionally. Participants often report reduced stress levels, enhanced mindfulness, and better health, with tailored activities such as yoga, meditation, and workshops on self-care fostering long-term well-being. Additionally, being in nature, has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve mental clarity, making these escapes more than just a luxury—they are a catalyst for sustainable life changes .
Wellbeing Escapes, founded by Stella Photi in 2005, is a pioneer in wellness travel, offering transformative retreats and holidays tailored to rejuvenate both mind and body. Stella, a former airline executive, launched the company after experiencing burnout in her corporate career. Her vision was to create holidays that go beyond relaxation, incorporating practices like yoga, meditation, and stress management to help guests make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. Her dedication to this vision has positioned Wellbeing Escapes as a leader in the wellness tourism industry, providing curated experiences backed by extensive research and Stella’s personal testing of destinations – you are definitely in good hands.
For their first Self-Care retreat, Stella chose the most magical location – Tofte Manor. Home for the next four days, it gave everyone the opportunity to unwind, relax, ground and allow all the workshops from a transformative itinerary to integrate.
Tofte Manor, nestled in the idyllic countryside of Bedfordshire, is a captivating estate with ties to spiritual and historical intrigue. Dating back to the 12th century with links to the Knights Templar, Suzy Castleman, the ‘guardian’ of Tofte Manor has done an incredible job of restoring the manor and creating a spiritual sanctuary.
Installing two labyrinths within the grounds, the Tofte Star Labyrinth, copies the design of the ancient 11 circuit pattern of the labyrinth in Charles Cathedral in France. What makes this labyrinth even more special are the underground pipes that follows the same route as the labyrinth, changing the molecular structure of the water as tested and photographed by Professor Maseru Emoto’s laboratories. The Tofte Earth Labyrinth is inspired by the sacred geometric form of the vesica piscis or the vulva, the yoni, the sacred entrance into the creatrix of the womb. As you walk to the centre an underground passageway takes you into the earth chamber which sits in darkness at the centre of this seven circuit labyrinth. Both labyrinths act as a source of inspiration and can be used as tools to explore our own inner ‘Journey’. Research has shown that walking a labyrinth creates balance in the body and the mind by balancing the two hemispheres of the brain.
The Manor House itself is straight out of a fairytale with sprawling vines covering the 17th century building.
The interiors feature beautifully restored period details, from grand fireplaces to intricate cornicing, paired with contemporary furnishings that create a serene and luxurious ambiance. Each room is uniquely styled, offering plush bedding, tranquil colour palettes, and thoughtfully curated decor. The accommodation extends to charming self-contained cottages, providing privacy and flexibility for guests.
A Transformative Itinerary
Guests are treated to three nights of comfort and nourishment, with all meals thoughtfully prepared by The Kitchen Mama to align with the retreat’s grounding ethos. Expect warming chilli’s and colourful fresh salads for dinner, fresh fruit and delectable energy balls to snack on throughout the day, beautifully glazed figs with walnuts and cheese, and chia seed porridge for breakfast. Every dish was utterly delightful and all made with love.
Rejuvenating Practices: Activities designed to harmonise the body and mind include:
• A Qi Gong class with Kate Henley, integrating breath, movement, and meditation.
Starting the day with qi gong on the beautiful grounds of Tofte Manor was a really wonderful grounding experience. A simple moving meditation where Kate guides you and explains what each movement does and how it benefits the body.
• A Traditional Chinese Medicine workshop with Kate Henley.
Drawing from the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this session explores how seasonal foods and emotions influence our overall health. In autumn, the metal element takes centre stage, representing letting go and lung health. Guests learn how pungent foods like onions and garlic support this transition and how to reflect on personal patterns of release and growth.
• A stress relief workshop with Stella Photi.
An introduction to the benefits of heart coherence meditations and breathing exercises to help manage stress and anxiety, emotional rebalancing, improving the immune system, reducing the risk of sleep disorders, burnout and high bloody pressure. A great workshop that reminds you and equips you with the tools to manage a busy lifestyle.
• A restorative yoga session with Tara McLeod Williams to relax the body.
Slow down with a restorative yin yoga session to improve flexibility and range of motion, calm the mind, body, and surrender to stillness and receptivity.
• A self love journaling workshop with Claudia Roth.
Each guest is gifted a self love journal created by Claudia Roth herself, with the intention to get to know yourself better and taking responsibility for your own well-being and happiness. Starting with a meditation to open the heart and journaling prompts for a moment of self-reflection.
• A guided morning walk to connect with nature.
Pick a card from the Little Box of Self Care deck and take 10-minutes to connect with yourself, the card and nature, a great ritual that can offer profound insights.
• A sound bath and pre-sleep ritual with Claudia Roth.
Each day concludes with a pre-sleep ritual and sound bath in the yurt to encourage relaxation and restorative sleep.
Go with the intention to make the most of it and be open. Stella and Claudia will hold a safe space for you. As the retreat goes on, the more comfortable you’ll become and let your guard down – this is when the magic happens. The insights you’ll receive about yourself will be so powerful. You’ll leave with more than you could ever imagine if you truly use this time wisely.
I arrived with the intention to reconnect with myself and I left with a sense of purpose and renewal. This is a true testament to the space that Stella and her team created at the majestic Tofte Manor. The Self-Care Retreat by Wellbeing Escapes was more than just a wellness retreat, it was a journey back to self. Let the journey to balance and renewal begin.
Experience Self-Care and Relaxation at Tofte Manor this March
From 14–16 March 2025, Stella Photi, Founder of Wellbeing Escapes and a pioneer in wellbeing travel, will host another Wellbeing Escapes retreat at Tofte Manor. Designed for first-time retreaters and self-care enthusiasts, the retreat offers restorative yoga, Qi Gong, stress management workshops, seasonal eating guidance, journaling, and pre-sleep sound baths to calm the nervous system.
Set in a stunning 17th-century manor surrounded by 50 acres of landscaped gardens, ancient trees, and tranquil amenities like a swimming pool and fire pit, guests can fully unwind in luxury. Expert-led sessions, including Stella’s stress management techniques and Claudia Roth’s transformative sound healing and journaling workshops, provide long-lasting tools for enhancing daily life.
What’s Included:
• Two nights’ accommodation
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Yoga, Qi Gong, guided walks, and workshops on self-care and gratitude
• Optional spa treatments (additional cost)
Price: £595 per person (shared room). For bookings, visit wellbeingescapes.com or call 0203 735 7555.
This is your chance to nourish your mind, body, and soul in the serene surroundings of Tofte Manor.
